Vitebsk region may switch to centralized procurement of books for libraries from publishers

May 30, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The Vitebsk region is conducting an experiment on centralized procurement of books for public libraries from publishing houses. This was announced today at a meeting of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee by Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Vladimir Terentyev, BELTA correspondent reports. Since this year, part of the books for the region's library system has been purchased directly from one of the Belarusian publishing houses. According to preliminary estimates, this will save 35-40% of budget funds compared to purchasing books through the usual scheme - through a library collector or in bookstores. According to Vladimir Terentyev, if the calculations are confirmed, the region will switch to centralized procurement of books from publishing houses. For a more rational use of the regional budget funds, the Department of Culture of the Regional Executive Committee has been purchasing legal publications directly from the Vitebsk Regional Center for Legal Information since 2009, which allows saving 30% of funds. This experience has received the support of the Ministry of Culture and is recommended for implementation in other regions of the country. A total of Br11.4 billion is planned to be allocated from various sources for the formation of public library collections in the region in 2012. During the first quarter, Br1.1 billion was allocated for replenishing public library collections, of which almost 44% was for the purchase of books, and the rest for subscribing to periodicals. -0-